In a historic milestone for Rwandan sport, UMULINGA Alice has been unanimously elected as the first female President of the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (NOC Rwanda). The election took place today, May 10, 2025, during the Elective General Assembly at Lemigo Hotel in Kigali, with UMULINGA receiving full support from all 50 eligible voters.
UMULINGA previously served as NOC Rwanda’s First Vice President from 2021 to 2022 and had been Acting President since 2022. Her election for the 2025–2028 term marks a new chapter in the Committee’s leadership and reflects growing momentum for gender equity in sports governance.
In her acceptance speech to the General Assembly, UMULINGA pledged continued collaboration with National Sports Federations, the Ministry of Sports, and partners: “I am truly honored to be entrusted once again with the responsibility of leading the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee. This is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of a united and ethical sports movement. With many of us re-elected from the outgoing committee, this continuity is a powerful sign of sustainable leadership for the future of Rwandan sport. Our top priority is to create an environment where athletes come first, governance is transparent, and Rwanda earns its rightful place on the global sporting stage.”
NOC Rwanda President, UMULINGA Alice Delivers Her Acceptance Speech
She concluded her speech by reaffirming her campaign slogan: “Together, we can build a more inclusive, impactful, and financially sustainable sport ecosystem for our athletes and their entourage.”
To read her extended manifesto, click here.
The newly elected Executive Committee features a blend of continuity and renewal. Most outgoing members retained their positions, a sign of confidence in their stewardship over the past four years.
Executive Committee (2025–2028):
- President: UMULINGA Alice (100%)
- First Vice President: GAKWAYA Christian (96%)
- Second Vice President: UMUTONI Salama (92%)
- Secretary General: KAJANGWE Joseph (92%)
- Treasurer General: GANZA Kevin (96%)
- Advisor: BUTOYI Jean (92%)
- Advisor: RUYONZA Arlette (90%)
- BUGINGO Elvis (88%)
- DUSINGIZIMANA Thierry (74%)
- MBARAGA Alexis (94%)
Conflict Resolution Committee:
- RWABUHIHI Innocent (100%)
- KAGARAMA Clementine (82%)
- NKURUNZIZA Jean Pierre (86%)
The 2025–2028 leadership will also oversee major strategic projects, including the construction of NOC Rwanda’s new headquarters and Olympic Training Center, as well as preparations for international competitions such as the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
In addition to its Olympic responsibilities, NOC Rwanda also governs the Commonwealth Games Association (CGA Rwanda), further elevating the significance of this electoral mandate.
As Rwanda continues to establish itself as a continental hub for elite athlete development and international competition, the newly elected team is expected to play a critical role in shaping the future of Rwanda Sport Movement.